The federal government has announced nearly $24 million in spending to deliver a variety of railway-construction projects across the country.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced the funding on June 3. The money will support 147 projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program. Of those, 58 projects worth a combined $13 million are located in Ontario.

"Investing in rail safety in Ontario and other parts of Canada will help keep communities safe,” said the minister. “Since its inception four years ago, the Rail Safety Improvement Program has provided more than $107 million to enhance rail safety. We will continue to invest in projects that improve our rail system and that help keep Canadians safe.

In addition to supporting infrastructure, technology and research projects that improve railway safety, this investment will reduce safety risks, and contribute to economic growth by creating good-paying jobs. Funded projects include infrastructure improvements rail crossings and the development of innovative technologies.

The Rail Safety Improvement Program funds projects and initiatives that contribute to increasing safety at grade crossings and along rail lines and increase public confidence in Canada's rail system. The program provides funding to provinces, territories, municipalities and local governments, road and transit authorities, crown corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, academia, Indigenous groups, communities and organizations, and individuals/private landowners to help improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation.

This year’s funding will go towards 120 grade-crossing improvements, five crossing infrastructure projects, 10 grade crossing closures and 12 technology and research projects.

A complete list of the projects funded under the Rail Safety Improvement Program is available on Transport Canada’s website.

The federal government says Canada already maintains one of the safest rail transportation systems in the world.